Barack Obama in Springfield

It’s a sweltering September afternoon. Nearly 90 degrees, 90 percent humidty and more gnats than I care to swallow. We’re on the grounds of the old statehouse in the town where Abraham Lincoln was born. Local police tell us there are at least 35,000 people here. It’s really an incredible turnout.

People were actually standing alongside the road waving signs and banners as the Obama motorcade made its way from the airport to downtown.

A side note — on the other side of the statehouse — the city is hosting a barbecue festival. Coincidence? I think not.